June 7, 1997: Cowboys trump Rhinos in WCC
On day two of rugby league's most ridiculed competition, North Queensland easily accounted for Leeds.
There was only one match on day two of the World Club Challenge, Leeds not dealing with the change in temperature too well as they crashed 42-20 to North Queensland in Townsville.
Cowboy Luke Phillips could manage only five goals from his 10 attempts while Glen Murphy posted two tries.
Elsewhere in the paper that day, Maurice Lindsay - whose funeral was this week - told reporters the Maori would be one of 12 teams in a World Cup to be held in Australia in 1998.
The tournament - which never happened - was to involve Great Britain rather than the home nations.
And we read about the worrying injury to Scott Cram, the previous season’s rookie of the year, the night before while he was playing for Illawarra against Balmain at WIN Stadium.
He had been airlifted to Sydney. There were fears of spinal damage.
He made a full recovery and continued his career at the Steelers and London Broncos, making six appearances for Scotland.
ARL CONFIDENT OF VIC SUPPORT
Sydney Morning Herald, Friday, June 6 1997
By STEVE MASCORD
THE Australian Rugby League is confIdent of attracting average gate of 15.000 to home games for the proposed Melbourne franchise next season, chief executive Neil Whittakcr said last night.
Whittakcr made the prediction as the ARL stepped up its marketing push for Wednesday's Origin II at the Melbourne Cricket Ground by sending players and coaches to the Victorian capital for a day of promotions.
The ARL is yet to decide whether to proceed with plans to add a Melbourne team next tear.
"We're very confident of being able to attract 15.000 per game." Whittakcr said.
"There'd be no use in going there if we weren't. If you're going into a one-town, one-team situation. it’s what you'd expect."
Queensland's David Manson was appointed yesterday to control Origin II. which officials hope will attract a crowd of between 30,000 and 40,000.
Blues hooker Andrew Johns hopes to train on his injured leg when the NSW side returns to camp in Sydney today.
In other news. London coach Tony Currie last night valued his team, which takes on a $6 million Brisbane lineup in the kick-off of the World Club Challenge tonight, at just $800,000.
The sister clubs launch Super League's elaborate trans-hemisphere competition at ANZ Stadium, with official hoping for a credibility-boosting tight contest.
"I have £800,000 ($I.74 million) to spend on my first grade, reserve grade and under-19s,” Currie said.
"To me. that's really $800,000 because a pound is only worth a dollar in real terms over there.
"The Bronco are worth around $6 million.
"But I believe we can win and if we do it would be one of the greatest upsets in history."
About 25,000 are expected for the kick-off of the Challenge, which this weekend will involve five games in Australia and five in England and France.
NSW halfback Noel Goldthorpe is again on the Hunter bench, with youngster Brett Kimmorley to start, for Sunday night's clash with Paris at Charlety Stadium.
The International Rugby League Board, which began a meeting in Paris on Thursday. is today expected to announce the makeup of next year's World Cup.
In a blow to the game in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, those countries are not expected to compete individually in the tournament, set down for Australia in November 1998.
Tonight's ARL game pits Illawarra against Balmain at WIN Stadium.
Auckland have made an upgraded offer to Cronulla winger Richard Barnett.
GAMES
Australian Rugby League round 13:
Gold Coast 28 South Sydney 4 at Carrara Stadium
World Club Challenge round one:
North Queensland 42 Leeds 20 at Stockland Stadium
